Cleaning Procedure for Silver Items

Beautiful silver items needs cleaning time-to-time. But the methods involved for cleaning may vary depending upon the value and design of the product. 

• Silver artifacts with carved patterns should be hand polished with a high quality silver cream or polish. Hand rubbing develops patina on silver which adds to its beauty. 
• Ornamental silver pieces that have been lacquered may be washed in lukewarm water that removes the lacquer. 
• For smaller products, the best silver polish is white tooth paste. Dab some on your finger, and rub into the tarnish. 
• For bigger products, use baking soda and a clean, damp sponge. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Scoop the paste onto the sponge, and rub the paste onto the silver. Rinse with hot water and dry it with a soft, clean cloth. 
• For badly tarnished silver, leave the baking soda paste on the silver for an hour or so, before cleaning with sponge and hot water.

In case of silver flatware, they should be washed in warm sudsy water, rinsed well and then dried immediately. Do not let silverware with hollow handle remain in water for long as a combination of heat, water, and detergent may loosen soldering. Electrolytic methods of cleaning with aluminum-salt-soda are not recommended for cleaning silver. 

Do not spill dry detergent on flatware, it may cause dark spots.